Several arrested since new measures introduced at correctional facilities

The authorities have made headway with their efforts to curtail smuggling and other illegal activities in correctional facilities.
   
The Ministry of National Security is reporting that the new security measures have resulted in the arrest and charge of correctional services staff.
   
Inmates alleged to have acted in consort with Department of Correctional Services staff and persons outside of the institutions have also been arrested and charged.
    
The ministry says 36 mobile telephones have been seized at the Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre, and an additional four at the Tamarind Farm facility.
    
Several other digital devices including SIM cards and an IPad tablet were also seized during the crackdown.
    
The ministry says four correctional officers have been charged in connection with these finds in an ongoing probe, led by the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA).
     
A fifth correctional officer was arrested on the weekend, and three inmates who were charged with various offences are being prosecuted.
    
At the end of last month, the Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security Pearnel Charles Junior, announced several measures to strengthen what he said were the internal controls in all correctional institutions.
   
Among the key security measures are amendments to existing legislation, regulations and procedures as well as the installation of X-Ray Scanning Machines.